Professional Services
The SCMA is proud to be a member of the AIA community. Being involved in AIA allows the SCMA and its members to gain first-hand knowledge of challenges that face Architects today concerning masonry. Our relationship with AIA is critical to help us continue to eliminate misperceptions on overall cost and other areas pertaining to concrete masonry.
The SCMA serves the Architectural Community by being the bridge for the concrete masonry industry and the professional community to maximize resources and ensure we promote concrete masonry products as the first choice in the commercial and residential markets together. The SCMA is a building solutions provider through education to ensure that a continuous masonry learning environment is promoted by using wall systems effectively, efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
Today, most architects are surprised to learn the concrete masonry industry boosts over 175 types of concrete masonry units and architectural block. With a wide range of resources available from manufacturer’s salespeople to help with block selection to free courses to ensure we are always there to help the Architects Build Better with Block.
The SCMA utilizes several areas to ensure we provide a continuous learning environment for Architects.
Technical Services
Expertise addressing specific construction issues such as structural, and energy consumption design. The SCMA is a resource to help answer questions related to technical and compliance capabilities of concrete masonry products pertaining to codes and project specifications. We also provide several programs to help answer your questions.
Free Review of Plans and Specifications
SCMA wants to ensure safety is paramount in every building. We’re glad to review plans and specifications of your upcoming projects. SCMA does not sell anything but we do offer free unbiased advice to ensure your projects are being built the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and most importantly safe.
Wall Cost Comparison of six (6) Construction Types
Walter G.M. Schneider III, Ph.D., P.E., MCP, CBO, CFO and Ryan L. Solnosky, Ph.D., P.E. performed a wall cost study comparing 6 construction types, including Conventional wood framing with wood floor system, Light Gauge Steel Framing with cast-in-place concrete floor system on metal form deck, Load bearing concrete masonry construction with precast concrete plank floor system, Precast concrete walls and precast concrete floor system, Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls and precast concrete plank floor system, and Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls and ICF concrete floor system.
Increase Speed of Construction and Lower Overall Cost with BIM-M & Masonry IQ
BIM-M and Masonry IQ has many benefits for architects including design tools and methods for quickly importing masonry details and product models, uniform language and classification systems, tools for describing air, thermal, moisture and vapor control, and cost estimating.
Free 18 AIA &CES Approved Masonry Presentations
The SCMA & NCMA offers over 18 AIA/CES approved masonry courses that are FREE
to the professional community. These courses are available throughout the five states and can be done through Lunch and Learns at the convenience of your office.
Promotional Services
SCMA hosts many events throughout the year to allow ongoing professional opportunities to network and collaborate between Architects and concrete masonry professionals. Many of these events are hosted multiple times and in different formats to allow for diversity in program and ultimate get the Architectural community a well-rounded understanding of how to Build Better with Block.
Free Annual Concrete Masonry Days
The SCMA holds Concrete Masonry Days in five states which allows Architects to come together and not only collaborate on concrete masonry but receive 3-6 AIA/CES learning credits in the world of concrete masonry. We look to bring together several concrete industry areas from concrete masonry, concrete, pavers, to precast and brick.
Free Monthly Concrete Masonry Eblast and Blogs
The SCMA sends out a monthly Eblast to over 15,000 contacts to keep the professional community update on the latest news and trends in the concrete masonry industry.
Free Block Tours and Hands-on Demonstrations
The SCMA in conjunction with our members, hold weekly free tours to Architects to gain a deeper understanding of how concrete masonry units and architectural block is made.
Free Masonry Discussion Forums & Workshops
The SCMA brings together industry experts to discuss the benefits of building with concrete masonry. These discussion forums are held throughout the NC, SC, TN, GA and VA.